Melatonin as a Novel Supplement to COVID 19 Therapies

Madhu Bansode,Pankaj Bansode

doi:10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i39a32150

Abstract

The COVID-19 disease continues its rampage on the human population all over the world. The pathogenesis mechanisms involve various inflammatory and altered immune responses and oxidative processes, leading to complications like cytokines storm and death in vulnerable cases. Therefore, in this review, we summarize current evidence on melatonin therapy for viral infections with focus on possible underlying mechanisms of melatonin actions. Since this pandemic crisis elapses time, researchers worldwide are busy trying new solutions to overcome the heavy toll of the COVID-19 illness morbidity and mortality. One such drug with growing recognition is melatonin. Melatonin is a well-known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecule which helps in promoting adaptive immunity. Melatonin improves sleep and anxiety and also can prevent fibrosis. It is a readily available over-the-counter medication that can be manufactured easily in bulk, hence inexpensive to a patient from a developing nation like India. It can be orally administered and has a wide margin of safety. This article reviews the various facets, merits, demerits, and rationale of the re-use use of molecule melatonin, which is yet to be recognized.

Highlights

Medical experts worldwide have realized that there is a finite mode of treatment for the COVID19 disease
In this review, we summarize current evidence on melatonin therapy for viral infections with focus on possible underlying mechanisms of melatonin actions. Since this pandemic crisis elapses time, researchers worldwide are busy trying new solutions to overcome the heavy toll of the COVID-19 illness morbidity and mortality
Melatonin is a well-known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecule which helps in promoting adaptive immunity

Summary

Introduction

Medical experts worldwide have realized that there is a finite mode of treatment for the COVID19 disease. The drug melatonin [2] (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is being used effectively for sleep disturbances and delirious CNS diseases, lung infections, and other infections. Melatonin has been secreted by the pineal gland, which plays many role such as Antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-excitatory, sleeplesssness etc. Incase of Antiinflammatory activity, there is an increased level of inflammatory markers. Melatonin acts by reducing cytokines, the IL-6, TNF-α, etc., which augments inflammation while increasing cytokine IL-10 levels, which is a marker against inflammation. Melatonin may have a potent proinflammatory action but only if given in maximum doses or immune-compromised conditions. It initiates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In converse, melatonin induces protection against inflammation [3]

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